The Best Trail Running Routes in Arkansas

Allsopp Park is the go-to for locals looking for a trail run near Little Rock. While it may not draw in many visitors from other areas, the access to nearby neighborhoods, proximity to the Arkansas River Trail, and a short drive from downtown make it a popular park with hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners alike....

Boyle Park is described by [LittleRock.com](https://www.littlerock.com/little-rock-destinations/boyle-park-east-side-trail) as the perfect opportunity for mountain bikers "to build speed and practice their technique in the heart of Little Rock." For runners, the mellow 3....

The Arkansas River Trail is *the* go-to place to enjoy a safe, relaxing, and scenic run in Little Rock. Composed entirely of asphalt and concrete on a mixture of multi-use paths and sidewalks, this loop is a great long run if you're training for a race....

Construction of the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) began in 1977, funded by the U.S. Forest Service. When funding ran out in 1981, with only a third of the planned 164-mile trail built, Tim Ernst stepped up to establish the Ozark Highlands Trail Association (OHTA) to complete construction using only volunteer labor....

After leaving the White Rock Rec Area, be sure to sign in at the visitor box installed at the intersection for the spur leading to the lookout. It's important for the park service to see that people are using the trail....

Shortly into this section, runners cross Highway 23, also known as the Pig Trail. Once across, it is a pleasant stroll through the Ozark Forest. After about four miles the trail crosses Fly Gap Road....

As with the final leg of the previous section, the start of this section winds through more beech tree forests as it flows around a hillside, littered with house size boulders, to the base of a pretty challenging climb....

If you are running in on the OHT from the west, as the trail tops out there is a short spur trail to the right that will take you to the Ozone Trailhead parking, while the OHT continues straight....

After exiting the Fort Douglas Trailhead parking, the OHT crosses the Big Piney River on a picturesque 1931 one-lane steel bridge. You might want to top off your water bottles in the river because in dry months it is six miles to the next reliable water....

This section begins by crossing Scenic Hwy 7, a National Scenic Byway. The community of Pelsor is located about one mile south on Hwy 7. There is a Post Office there and the old 1930s Hankins General Store....

The east end of the OHT is pretty challenging to reach. Because of this inaccessibility, it doesn’t receive a lot of TLC or usage. For this reason, it is also the most difficult section to follow....

This trail run around Pinnacle Mountain State Park pairs two of its classic loops, the Base Trail and Kingfisher Trail. While summiting Pinnacle via the [western approach](https://fatmap.com/routeid/2847005/west-summit-trail-to-pinnacle-mountain) may be popular among hikers, trail runners will likely enjoy this more *runnable* route through the park that doesn't involve scrambling or a massive climb....

A favorite area to explore for mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners alike, this 5-mile run begins with a steady climb up the Cliffbrake Trail to a spectacular overlook of Lake Maumelle....